President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating corruption and fraud in Kenya’s healthcare system, vowing to uphold transparency under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during the official opening of the Kilifi County International Investment Conference on Thursday, December 5, Ruto promised that the failures of the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) would not be repeated.
“There is a lot of fake news and incorrect information out there. I want to assure the country that the challenges of fraud and corruption that had bedeviled the NHIF will never happen under SHA, as long as I’m in charge. It will never happen in our Universal Health Coverage plan,” he stated.
The President emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, dismissing doubts about its dedication to reforming healthcare.
“I will look the people of Kenya in the eye and tell them there will be no corruption under SHA as long as I am President,” Ruto affirmed.
He also reiterated the importance of ensuring Kenyans receive full value for their healthcare contributions, highlighting the need for quality service delivery free of mismanagement.
“We must ensure that Kenyans get value for every cent they spend, especially on matters of health,” he remarked.
Defending the medical equipment leasing programme, Ruto clarified that the procurement process was conducted transparently between counties and the Ministry of Health. He refuted claims that governors were coerced into signing contracts.
“There is no one supplier. I think there are seven or so suppliers, and no county is obligated to choose any specific one. Anybody who says they were forced by the national government to sign the contract is a conman and a liar,” he said.
The President’s remarks come after the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors addressed media reports on the leasing programme.
In a joint statement issued on December 4, they dismissed allegations of secrecy surrounding the equipment supply deal, providing detailed clarification on the new approach to managing it.
